Rebecca Schoffer is shown in the center surrounded by her band mates.
The Maccabeats, a world renowned a cappella group that focuses on using nothing but their voices, will sing their hearts out at Shirat Hayam on August 11. They will be joined by Rebecca Schoffer, Margate native, and her band.
Born and raised in Margate, Schoffer now lives in New York City with her husband Jonathan and her two sons, Sam and Jonah. A beloved member of the community, and daughter of Leo and Patti Schoffer, she has come back on several occasions to perform. Most recently, at the Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties community Yom HaZikaron observance and Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. Prior to this event, she entertained last summer at Shirat Hayam’s Bayside Bash. This is the very first time the community will hear Schoffer with her amazingly talented group of musicians.
During the concert, Schoffer will play original music from the band’s 2020 album “Pack Your Tambourine” as well as original songs written by Schoffer and arranged with percussionist/co-producer Sam Wagner. The music that her band plays is eclectic and ranges from funk to folk to bluegrass and rock. It is lively music for the whole family and people of all ages. Through her music, she also explores Jewish themes, holidays and prayers.
Schoffer is the director of Jewish Family Engagement and the leader of the Shababa Community at the 92nd Street Y. She is a musical talent who is committed to bringing Jewish ritual to life in the home. She has been honored for her community work, including being the 2019 recipient of the Young Pioneers Award at the NY-based Jewish Education Project.
Schoffer is also a theater director and playwright of family musicals, including “Bagels from Benny the Musical” and “Sammy Spider’s First Mitzvah the Musical!” co-written with Joel Esher and based on the beloved PJ Library books by Aubrey Davis and Sylvia Rouss.
Originally formed in 2007 as Yeshiva University’s student vocal group, the Maccabeats have recently emerged as both a Jewish music and a cappella phenomenon, with a large fanbase, more than 20 million views on YouTube, numerous TV appearances, and proven success with four albums, 2010’s “Voices From The Heights,” 2012’s “Out Of The Box,” 2014’s “One Day More,” and 2015’s “A Maccabeats Hanukkah.”
The Maccabeats perform an eclectic array of Jewish, American, and Israeli songs. Their videos are sensational and have a superb blend of harmonies.
The Maccabeats’ unique offering has caught the eyes of numerous organizations and individuals throughout the world. They’ve played sold-out shows to thousands at JCCs, synagogues, Chabads, Hillels, jazz clubs, festivals, conventions, and theaters across five continents and over 30 states and Canadian provinces. They’ve been invited to join superstar Matisyahu and Jewish music superstar Yaakov Shwekey on stage. And they’ve been invited to the White House by President Barack Obama. Over the course of time, their adventures and opportunities imparted upon the Maccabeats an important lesson: With great a cappella comes great responsibility. It is with much humility and gratitude that the group takes up the mission given to them to share their music with the world.
Sponsors for this special event include: Norma and David Blecker, Michele and Noah Bronkesh, Melissa Schoffer Farber and Dr. Andrew Farber, Sheila and Alan Friedman, Judy and Lenny Galler, Andi and David Goldberg, Margaret and Howard Goldberg, Jodi and Joe Handler, Susan and Robert Lang and Jessie Stone and Daniel Schoffer. This is the first year Shirat Hayam has offered two summer concerts under the direction of Joe Handler, fundraising chair.
Shirat Hayam’s Summer Concert Series features the Maccabeats and Rebecca Schoffer and her band on August 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $136 per person for reserved seating and $50 for general admission. Children 12 and under are free if accompanied by an adult. Ice cream will be served after the concert.
All guests attending the concert must present their vaccination cards. Shirat Hayam is following CDC Guideline Protocols for Covid-19.
For tickets, please call Shirat Hayam at (609) 822-7116 or visit their ticketing website: shirathayamnj.org/event/shirat-hayam-summer-concert/
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